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CC Sabathia discussed his heart-health changes at Yankee Stadium ahead of the Yankees’ ceremony retiring his No. 52. After doctors found a 90% blockage in an artery leading to his heart in 2018, he changed his diet and joined an awareness program focused on LDL cholesterol and heart health.
Former New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia says a 90% blockage in an artery leading to his heart, discovered in 2018, prompted him to pay closer attention to diet and long-term health. He discussed the experience at Yankee Stadium ahead of the ceremony retiring his No. 52, linking his personal story to a campaign encouraging people to monitor cholesterol and heart health.
Sabathia said he woke in the middle of the night in November 2018 vomiting and initially thought he was having a heart attack. Doctors found a 90% artery blockage, and he underwent emergency angioplasty with a stent. The episode came during the final stretch of a 19-year major-league career; he had pitched 11 seasons for the Yankees.
Sabathia said the experience led him to focus on LDL-C, commonly called “bad” cholesterol, and to take part in Merck and WomenHeart’s “Playing with Heart” program. The initiative involves nine MLB franchises and aims to raise awareness of cholesterol risks and heart-health monitoring, according to the source report.
He said changing his diet has been the biggest step he has taken to improve his LDL-C, describing his current diet as mainly Mediterranean. Sabathia also said he continues lifting weights and doing cardio, now at his own pace. Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who has a history of heart conditions, also spoke at the event about diet, exercise, sleep and making responsible health choices.
A Career Story Becomes a Health Message
Sabathia’s account connects a high-profile sports career to a health issue that can remain unnoticed until it becomes urgent. His comments put the emphasis on knowing personal cholesterol numbers and discussing health with a doctor, while the “Playing with Heart” program uses MLB’s reach to carry that message to fans and communities.
The story also reflects a shift in how athletes discuss health beyond performance. Sabathia said younger players are more attentive to their bodies than players in his generation, and he wants to speak openly about his own experiences—including alcohol dependency and heart health—to help others feel able to do the same. His view is a personal observation, not a measurement of athletes across the sport.
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The 2018 Emergency Behind His Changes
Sabathia’s heart episode occurred in November 2018, near the end of his playing career. He said that if the blockage had gone undetected, he could have died at 38. His treatment was emergency angioplasty, a procedure involving placement of a stent, according to the source report.
The Yankees later honored his career by retiring No. 52 in Monument Park. Sabathia spoke at Yankee Stadium the day before that ceremony, with Boone joining him. The event combined recognition of Sabathia’s time in baseball with discussion of health monitoring and habits after retirement.
““Had I not known or not been on top of everything, I could have passed away at 38 years old from a massive heart attack.””
— CC Sabathia
Details on His Current Health
The report does not give Sabathia’s current LDL-C level, describe his ongoing medical care, or say whether he takes medication. It also does not provide outcome data for “Playing with Heart,” so the program’s effect on awareness or health behavior is not established in the source material.
Sabathia’s account is personal and does not establish that his diet or routine would be appropriate for others. The report urges people to know their numbers and check with a doctor; it does not detail individual medical recommendations.
The Campaign’s Continuing Reach
“Playing with Heart” is described as involving nine MLB franchises, but the source report does not list the participating teams or announce a schedule for future events. The next developments to watch are further campaign activity and any additional information the organizers release about its reach.
Sabathia said he intends to keep discussing his health experiences publicly. The report does not identify a specific upcoming appearance or new medical milestone for him.
Key Questions
What happened to CC Sabathia in 2018?
Sabathia said he woke up vomiting and later learned he had a 90% blockage in an artery leading to his heart. He underwent emergency angioplasty with a stent.
What health changes did Sabathia describe?
He said he shifted to a mainly Mediterranean diet and continues lifting weights and doing cardio at his own pace. He identified the diet change as his largest step toward improving his LDL-C.
What is the Playing with Heart program?
It is an awareness program from Merck and WomenHeart involving nine MLB franchises, focused on LDL cholesterol and monitoring heart health, according to the report.
What did Sabathia want people to take from his experience?
He urged people to know their cholesterol number and check with a doctor to understand what is happening in their bodies. The report does not provide personal medical guidance for readers.
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